.

There are a large number of drugs on which people become dependent. These are classifies into
four major groups: sedatives and tranquillizers, opiate narcotics, stimulations and hallucinogens.

Some Harmful Drugs

1. Heroin:
Commonly used as smack Heroin is chemically diacetylmorphine which is a white, odorless,
bitter crystalline compound. This is obtained by acetylation of morphine which is extracted from
latex of poppy plant Papaver somniferum. Generally taken by snorting and injection, heroin is a
depressant and slows down body function.

2. Cannabinoids:
Natural cannabinoids are obtained from the inflorescences of the plant Cannabis sativa. The
flower tops, leaves and the resin of the plant are used in various combinations to produce
marijuana, hashish, charas and ganja. Generally taken by inhalation and oral ingestion, these
are known for their effects on cardiovascular system of the body.

3. Cocaine:
It is obtained from coca plant Erythroxylum coca, native to South America. It interferes with the
transport of the neuro-transmitter dopamine. Cocaine, commonly called coke or crack is usually
snorted. It has the potent stimulating action on central nervous system, producing sense of
euphoria and increased energy. Excessive dosage of cocaine causes hallucinations.

How drug addiction Begin?

Short-Term Effects
• Loss of appetite
• Increased heart rate, blood pressure, body temperature
• Contracted blood vessels
• Increased rate of breathing
• Dilated pupils
• Disturbed sleep patterns
• Nausea
• Hyperstimulation
• Bizarre, erratic, sometimes violent behavior
• Hallucinations, hyperexcitability, irritability
• Tactile hallucination that creates the illusion of bugs burrowing under the skin
• Intense euphoria
• Anxiety and paranoia
• Depression
• Intense drug craving
• Panic and psychosis
• Convulsions, seizures and sudden death from high doses (even one time)

• Permanent damage to blood vessels of ear and brain, high blood pressure, leading to heart
attacks, strokes and death
• Liver, kidney and lung damage
• Respiratory failure
• Infectious diseases and abscesses if injected
• Malnutrition, weight loss
• Auditory and tactile hallucinations
• Sexual problems, reproductive damage and infertility (for both men and women)
• Disorientation, apathy, confused exhaustion
• Irritability and mood disturbances
• Increased frequency of risky behavior
• Delirium or psychosis
• Severe depression
• Tolerance and addiction (even after just one use)

Causes of drug addiction

Drug use is often voluntary in the first instance. The development of a
full addiction occurs through avariety of circumstances.However,
the brain changes during a substance-related disorder in ways that can
take a long timeto bring back to a healthy state.A person whose brain's
reward circuitry has not altered as a result of addiction experiences
positivefeelings in relation to generally rewarding behaviors,
such as exercising, being with family, orconsuming delicious food.
These should all make a person feel goodSome of the causes of
addiction are :-
1 . P e e r p r e s s u r e
2 . S t r e s s a n d d e p r e s s i o n
3 . L a c k o f e d u c a t i o n
4 . R e l i g i o u s r i t u a l s

h i s t o r y
The use of psychoactive substances has been around for nearly as long as recorded
history, with evidence of Greeks using opium both medically and spiritually in
10,000 BCE. Around 5,000 BCE, there were reports of alcohol being used to levels
of intoxication in Egypt. Cannabis, opium, and alcohol are substances commonly
seen throughout history, with almost 2,000 references to wine and vineyards in the
Bible alone, and evidence of marijuana use dating back tens of thousands of years
in Europe and Taiwan. The attitudes and perceptions towards substances have
changed over the years, with religious, cultural, and industrial influences impacting
those opinions.

Religious influences have been and still are a weighing factor for those who
practice religion. In the Bible, drinking alcohol was acceptable in moderation but
was seen as sinful to drink to excess. The temperance movement of the late 19th
century solidified the belief that alcohol use was immoral and was demonstrated by
the prohibition movement. Today, alcohol use is generally accepted in American
culture and is even sometimes promoted and advertised as glamorous, but some
religions like Islam and Buddhism reject alcohol, and others like certain branches
of Christianity view any excess alcohol use as immoral.

During the industrial revolution, characteristics that are sometimes associated with
addiction like poor productivity, reliability, and punctuality in working
environments were magnified as Americans moved to factory systems. The view
on individuals struggling with a substance use disorder was that they were an
unproductive social outcast and should be judged. Substances of abuse like cocaine
and cannabis were stigmatized and associated with criminals and the lower class in
the 20th century. Today, there has been a shift from viewing addiction as a moral
and lifestyle choice to viewing it as a treatable chronic medical disease.

Risk factors

Each person’s body and brain are different. People also react differently to drugs. Some love
the feeling the first time they try it and want more. Others hate it and never try again.
Not everyone who uses drugs becomes addicted. But it can happen to anyone and at any age.
Some things may raise your chances of addiction, including:
Family history. Your genes are responsible for about half of your odds. If your parents or
siblings have problems with alcohol or drugs, you’re more likely as well. All genders are
equally likely to become addicted.
Early drug use. Children’s brains are still growing, and drug use can change that. So taking
drugs at an early age may make you more likely to get addicted when you get older.
Mental disorders. If you’re depressed, have trouble paying attention, or worry constantly,
you have a higher chance of addiction. You may turn to drugs as a way to try to feel better. A
history of trauma in your life also makes you more likely to have addiction.
Troubled relationships. If you grew up with family troubles and aren’t close to your parents
or siblings, it may raise your chances of addiction.

Drug withdrawl
Withdrawal is the process of cutting out, or cutting back on addictive substances.
Addictive substances can include some medicines, like opioids or benzodiazepines,
or drugs or alcohol. Some behaviours, such as gambling, are also addictive.

When your body is getting used to working without the substance or behaviour you
might have symptoms. The symptoms can be mild or they may be serious.

Knowing what these symptoms are can make quitting easier for you. It can also
make it easier for people who are supporting you.